New Member - New Bike - But what is it ?

[Guest]

Hello all, found this excellent site via google, having become the new custodian of this rare beauty (well rare anyway).

Previous owner says it is 1979 GS450S .. not sure he is right.

Chassis (Vin) Number is GS450515344
Engine Number : GS450142597

Few Pics may help too, so if anyone can help identify model and year it would be much appreciated then I can get started and find a few parts..

[pete]

Hey mate, welcome!

You have a 1980 - 82 GS450... what is the manufacturing date? If it's late 1979, then it's a 1980 GS450. eg. my '82 GS450E was manufactured 10/81...

It's definitely an E/S going by the tank and tail piece.

Those mirrors are not stock, but going by the gold wheels I'm going to guess it's an S model.

Out of the factory they have a bikini fairing and bar end mirrors too.

You're also missing the grab rail off the tail piece where those exposed bolts are too.

These are great little bikes and I have a ton of fun on my E!

[Showtime]

Gs450

Hi Pete, Thanks for the welcome, and the info.

So far I cant work out from the bike what the model year is, the bike reg document says manufactured in 1979 but I think this may be incorrect, so hoping someone can say for sure from the frame number.

The grab rail is in a box so I have that, along with the side panels and cdi cover,

it's running rough, which is why the owner sold it to me, (low compression on one cylinder) - which I'm told is a known fault on these bikes and is usually sticking valves.. we will see when I tear it down..

but for right now, just want to gather info ... so thanks for your input

[jabcb]

Per the frame VIN, its either a 1980 GS450E or GS450S.
http://www.ozebook.com/compendium/su...-nos/page3.gif

[hikermikem]

Carb dip & adjust the valves - then see where you're at. Nice lookin' bike!

[dorkburger]

What is it?... Easy. A cool looking cycle. Good luck

[Rob S.]

Very nice. UK?

[GSXR7ED]

Very Cool

What is it?... Easy. A cool looking cycle. Good luck

I know, right!

Single front disk and shoes in the rear....hmmm...like a "T".

Ed

[Big Rich]

I'd go with an E model. The S model had the fairing like Pete suggested, and the upper fork tube pinch bolts have tabs welded to the nuts to be used as fairing mounts. But somebody could have replaced the tab / nuts with normal nuts at some point.

Oh yeah: the S model's front fender was painted to match the other body work, while the E has a chrome fender. Again.....could've been replaced at some point in time.

[Big T]

it's running rough, which is why the owner sold it to me, (low compression on one cylinder) - which I'm told is a known fault on these bikes and is usually sticking valves.. we will see when I tear it down..

but for right now, just want to gather info ... so thanks for your input

Well, the first thing you should know is that sticking vales is not a common problem, in fact, it's really rare

The valves get tighter with use, I would venture that the low compression is due to overly tight valves. As mentioned above, adjust the valves and ride it before you tear it down.

Many owners ride the bike and never adjust the valves, and the bikes end up like yours

Go to BassCliff's site and read up on things

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

There's how tos for every problem there

[Allie]

Coolest 450 I've seen! The date of manufacture is also stamped onto the ID plate on the steering head, no? Sound's like and '80 model.

[GSXR7ED]

Good Call Big T,

After my valves were adjusted, things have been going smooth. Nice reminder for those of us gawking at this bike.


Ed

[Steel Toed Tank]

Coolest 450 I've seen!

I agree! That is very cool looking.

Great things about these bikes is that people who can't clean carbs or adjust valves dump them off for cheap when they start running rough and get hard to start.

So clean those carbs and adjust those valves and it'll run better than it has in years!!

[pete]

Hi Pete, Thanks for the welcome, and the info.

So far I cant work out from the bike what the model year is, the bike reg document says manufactured in 1979 but I think this may be incorrect, so hoping someone can say for sure from the frame number.

The grab rail is in a box so I have that, along with the side panels and cdi cover,

it's running rough, which is why the owner sold it to me, (low compression on one cylinder) - which I'm told is a known fault on these bikes and is usually sticking valves.. we will see when I tear it down..

but for right now, just want to gather info ... so thanks for your input

Cool, glad to hear you have the other bits! The date you have may be correct if it's late '79, last half of each year tends to be the next year's model, so that would make sense.

And a +1 to what the other guys said re: compression... most likely just valve clearances. Sort them and you'll likely find it's good to go!

I'd go with an E model. The S model had the fairing like Pete suggested, and the upper fork tube pinch bolts have tabs welded to the nuts to be used as fairing mounts. But somebody could have replaced the tab / nuts with normal nuts at some point.

Oh yeah: the S model's front fender was painted to match the other body work, while the E has a chrome fender. Again.....could've been replaced at some point in time.

Good points Rich! Maybe had a wheel swap or re-paint at some point... never seen S wheels in person so I'm not sure if that gold is stock for them or not.

Coolest 450 I've seen! The date of manufacture is also stamped onto the ID plate on the steering head, no? Sound's like and '80 model.

Really Allie? What about my 450? kidding

[Showtime]

Thanks Guys for all the useful input. I've had a good look at the frame headstock, but cannot see anything that gives 'X T etc' just the number as stated in first post. There must be something like a number sequence that would tell for sure what year though wouldn't there ?

Will have a good read up on doing the valves (any handy hints for setup do's and dont's would be appreciated. will also update on progress over the coming weeks..